OTTAWA -- Espial(R) Group Inc. ("Espial" or the "Company"), (TSX: ESP), Espial, a leader in on-demand TV software and solutions, today announced that it has entered into a co-operation agreement pursuant to which Espial has offered to acquire all of the outstanding shares of ANT plc ("ANT") in exchange for all cash consideration of GBP0.205 per outstanding share. The Offer values the issued ordinary share capital of ANT at approximately GBP5 million. ANT's board of directors has announced its support of the acquisition and has recommended that shareholders accept the offer. Espial has already received irrevocable undertakings to vote in favour of the acquisition from holders of 47% of ANT's outstanding shares. The acquisition is expected to close in Q1, 2013 pending receipt of necessary shareholder, court, regulatory and other customary approvals.

ANT - headquartered in Cambridge UK - provides IP, Hybrid and Connected TV products and services. Their customers include major TV manufacturers, set-top box vendors, broadcasters and service providers. ANT has successfully deployed its high performance software featuring rich HTML5 user experiences across set-top boxes, tablets and smart phones. In addition, ANT has built significant industry thought leadership through standards initiatives where, for example, they are a founding member of HbbTV which is Europe's leading HTML5-based hybrid broadcast broadband TV standard.

"Multiscreen video services on set-top boxes, smart TVs, tablets, PCs and smart phones are quickly becoming the new expectation for today's consumers. Delivering a superior user experience across these devices is a critical element to the success of TV service providers" said Jaison Dolvane, CEO of Espial. "The acquisition of ANT provides Espial with the increased scale, resources and depth of experience to extend our HTML5 market leadership. ANT provides rich expertise in delivering HTML5 user interfaces and applications as well as delivering complex vertically integrated client software solutions. We believe the acquisition of ANT will extend our capabilities to establish Espial as a clear market leader as TV service providers aggressively move to IP video delivery. We're excited about this combination and are committed to continue working with ANT's existing customers and partners to ensure their ongoing success".

Espial Group Inc.